refectory

[ri-fek-tuh-ree]

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noun, plural re·fec·to·ries.

a dining hall in a religious house, a college, or other institution.

Origin of refectory

1475–85; < Late Latin refectōrium, equivalent to Latin refec-, combining form of reficere to renew (see refect) + -tōrium -tory²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for refectory

arena, theater, gymnasium, amphitheater, lounge, chamber, church, gallery, auditorium, ballroom, gym, salon, casino, mart, armory, lyceum, stateroom

Examples from the Web for refectory

Historical Examples of refectory

Raymonde had just escaped for a few minutes from the refectory, where she was on duty.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete
Emile Zola
He would return to the refectory, as if relieved of some great crime.
Abbe Mouret's Transgression
Emile Zola
The bell rang for supper, and they went down to the refectory.
The Christian
Hall Caine
But if his reception in the refectory was chilling, his welcome in the courtyard was warm enough.
The Christian
Hall Caine
Then the bell rang for breakfast, and he went down to the refectory.
The Christian
Hall Caine

British Dictionary definitions for refectory

refectory

noun plural -tories

a communal dining hall in a religious, academic, or other institution

Word Origin for refectory

C15: from Late Latin refectōrium, from Latin refectus refreshed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for refectory

"dining hall," especially one in a monastery, early 15c., from Medieval Latin refectorium, from past participle stem of reficere "to remake, restore," from re- (see re-) + facere (see factitious).